Friday, 11 June 2010

Mexico
Rafael Marquez's equaliser against South Africa was his 11th goal on the international stage. It was also his 91st cap for Mexico, ranking him 9th on the all-time list for his country.

The result is only the second time Mexico have drawn their opening World Cup encounter in their long history, the last time coming in 1970 on home soil where they went onto reach the last eight.

South Africa
Siphiwe Tshabalala meanwhile notched up his 6th international goal, and will make his 50th appearance for South Africa in the next game of the tournament against Uruguay.
The hosts also opened up with a draw in South Korea in 2002, sharing four goals with Paraguay. They narrowly missed out on a place in the knockout stages on that occassion due to goal difference.

France
Shouldn't be too downhearted with a draw to open proceedings. They drew 0-0 with Switzerland in a similarly under-par encounter, but eventually found their feet to make all the way to the final.

Uruguay
As a nation, Uruguay hasn't won a world cup game in their last five attempts, having gone out to Italy in Italia 90' and failing to break their duck in 2002.

Thursday, 1 April 2010

Carshalton Athletic will hope to immediately bounce back from a disappointing loss to Margate this past Tuesday, when they host struggling Billericay Town on Saturday.
The Robins are now two points adrift from safety, but should feel confident against the Essex based outfit who parted ways with manager Brian Statham earlier this week.

When these sides last met back in November, Carshalton came out runaway winners in a resounding 4-0 victory.

Billericay Town – The Form Book
With Billericay Town just three points above the relegation zone with seven games of the campaign remaining, the club parted ways with manager Brian Statham this past Tuesday.

But in fairness to Statham, his side had been showing promising signs of recovery as the season reaches its climax.

Having spent the majority of the season in the lower regions of the Ryman Premier, Billericay enjoyed a successful March with a hat-trick of impressive wins over leaders Dartford, and mid-table Hendon and Horsham.

It is the draws however which have proven to be the sticking point with Billericay fans, with the sides lack of firepower really coming to the fore in the recent stalemates against Wealdstone, Canvey Island and Cray Wanderers.

The outgoing Brian Statham on Billericay Town
"I felt we were at last slowly turning everything round and whilst the results over the season have not been up to expectations I genuinely believe we were at last on the right road," he told thisistotalessex.co.uk.

"I knew it would be a long rebuilding job with the first team squad and for me it was a long term commitment and I felt we were getting there. I think defensively we have done that and had the Hadrian's Wall in place and the goals conceded, reflects that. The biggest problem has been in attack and finding a pair of goalscorers who will regularly find the net and get you 35 goals a season between them.” he added.

“We do not have time to sulk or be too hard on ourselves. We have to brush ourselves down and get on with it,” Hazel told the Surrey Comet.

“Yes it was a blow but we have some big games coming up and we still have a good chance of staying up. We have to get back into training on Thursday night, stay positive and focus on what is ahead of us,” he added.

Billericay Town - Players to Watch
Billy Bricknell has netted on twelve occasions this campaign and has attracted interest from a number of League Two clubs as a result.

Ashlee Jones is a recent addition to the Billericay squad, and possesses league experience between the sticks for Darlington.
Harrison Chatting is a promising left sided midfielder who is a youth product of Billericay. He is particularly dangerous from set-pieces.
Ex-Robin Jamie England is another new addition to the Billericay set-up, making his debut in the 1-1 draw against Cray Wanderers.

The StatsCarshalton Athletic
Carshalton are two points adrift of safety, but hold a game in hand over Margate who sit just above the drop zone.

Are ranked in 14th in the Ryman Premier in terms of their performances at home.

Average 334 fans per game when hosting - a figure which ranks them 9th in the league.

Billericay Town
Do not enjoy a great deal of success when travelling, with five wins away from home this campaign.

Their impact up-front is amongst the weakest in the league, having scored only 36 goals all season.

On the defensive side of things though, things couldn’t be more different, as they currently possess the best defence in the entire division based on goals conceded.

Monday, 29 March 2010

Carshalton Athletic will look to make it two wins out of two, when they host Margate this Tuesday evening, in what is a real relegation six pointer.

The Robins are now just one point from safety with a game in hand and will know there is all to play for with Maidstone in a similar relegation battle against Bognor Regis Town on the same evening.

Margate are definitely not to be underestimated however, with The Gate currently enjoying a six-match unbeaten run in the league.

Margate - The Form Book

Despite being in the relegation zone for much of the season, Margate have begun to hit their stride in recent times, since Iain O'Connell has been at the helm.

Currently on a six-match unbeaten run, Margate will undoubtedly be encouraged by their 1-0 win over runaway league leaders Dartford last Tuesday, although perhaps disappointed they could only manage a 1-1 draw when they took on Boreham Wood on Saturday.

Margate went ahead against the playoff challengers thanks to a close range strike from in-form Leroy Huggins, although conceded an equaliser five minutes shy of half-time.

And manager Iain O'Connell revealed that the squad was dejected at the result.

"We took our foot off the pedal, let them back into the game and conceded a goal just before half-time which was very disappointing," he told Gate Radio.

"But I think that when you look at the game on the whole, a draw is probably a fair result. Although when I got back in the changing room afterwards the players were very disappointed and I think that shows how far we're come."

Ian Hazel on new signing Bryon Harrison

"Byron has been thrown in at the deep end a bit and I still think there is more to come from him. He seems to be finding his feet and getting better with each game, and I am hoping that that first goal will really see him kick on," Hazel told the Surrey Comet.

Margate - Players to Watch

Leroy Huggins has enjoyed a good run of form of late, with the forward netting four goals in his last six games.

Sam Jones has developed quite the reputation on the wing for Margate since he signed from Ramsgate in February. He is dangerous on either flank.

James Pinnock is enjoying his third spell with Margate, and netted the winner against Dartford upon his recent to return to first team action.

Grant Cooper has league football experience with Wimbledon and has been an excellent addition to Margate's defence since joining in February.

Jay Saunders is a dynamic midfielder who has notched up over 250 club appearances for Margate during his career. He was Iain O'Connell's first signing last month.

The Stats

Carshalton Athletic

Unbeaten in two matches, the Robins will now play five of their remaining eight games at Colston Avenue.

Normally come away with something while at home, with six wins and four draws out of their 16 games at Colston Avenue.

Average 331 fans per game when hosting - a figure which ranks them 9th in the league.

Margate

Have a reasonable away record, with six wins on their travels this campaign.

Their impact up-front is quite weak however, averaging only just above a goal per game.

Lloyd Blackman is the 9th highest goal-scorer within the Ryman Premier, with 13 goals. The same number as Bryon Harrison, and two more than Richard Jolly.

Wednesday, 24 March 2010

Carshalton Athletic will be looking to give their Ryman Premier survival hopes a shot in the arm come Thursday evening, when they travel to Hendon.

And the Robins certainly stand a good chance of doing so when they line up at Vale Farm, with the clash being the Greens third game in six days.

There will certainly be all to play for, with Carshaltons 1-1 draw away to Margate, with Ian Hazels side four points adrift of safety and now only two points separating the four sides in the drop zone.Hendon – Post 0-0 on the 13th MarchAfter their goalless draw with Carshalton just over a fortnight ago, Hendon have struggled for form in the three matches they have encountered since.

Despite a precious three points secured at the hands of Canvey Island in their 2-1 victory, they have also exited the London Senior Cup to lower league Brimsdown Rovers and were comfortably beaten by relegation threatened Waltham Abbey.

They did however pick up another vital win on Tuesday evening, defeating bottom of the table Bognor Regis Town 2-0.

Hendon manager Gary McCann meanwhile was disappointed in his sides performance at Colston Avenue: "It was as frustrating as it was on Tuesday (against Billericay)," he told the Hendon Times, "and it felt like a defeat. We lacked a cutting edge, guile, imagination and width today."

"I thought the sending off (of Karl Murray) was very harsh and it galvanized them. I told the players to try shooting a bit more, which we did in the first half, but in the second half we were again trying to score the perfect goal," he added.

Carshalton meanwhile will hope to replicate some of the tenacity they showed when they were reduced to ten men when these two sides last clashed. A win will also edge them closer to struggling Maidstone United, who have only won one game in their last six.

Hendon - Players to watchScott Cousins will be familiar with Carshalton Athletic fans, having the spent the 2008/9 season with the Robins. The left sided midfielder has enjoyed a solid run with the Greens since he departed at the start of the season.

Dave Diedhiou has just completed his 50th club appearance for Hendon. The 21-year-old defensive midfielder continues to improve, since signing for the Greens in 2008.

Lubomir Guentchev is a well travelled attacking midfielder who has also enjoyed spells with Ipswich Town and FC Union Berlin.

Jamie Busby is a club favourite at Hendon, and has racked up over 150 appearances for them. The 23-year-old is an extremely energetic midfielder.

The Statistics

HendonTheir home record is relatively poor, ranked 16th in the league, although only 14 games have been possible at Vale Farm all season. Possess the 8th strongest defence in the league, in terms of goals conceded throughout the season.Have one of the lowest attendance records in the entire division, with just 176 fans attending each game on average

Carshalton AthleticOnly have two wins away from home this season.Although their home record is much better by comparison, with six wins, four draws and six losses, ranking them in 14th in the league.Have gone five games without a win in the league.

Friday, 19 March 2010

Carshalton Athletic face their most crucial game to date this Saturday, as their Ryman Premier survival battle steps up a gear when they travel to Margate.

With just three points separating the four clubs in the drop zone, Carshalton will need to draw on all their resources to garner the desired three points they so desperately need.

And with Margate also struggling and just ten games of the season remaining, there will be all to play for when the Robins line up at Hartsdown Park.

Margate - The Form BookPlaced in 21st and two points behind the Robins, Margate have endured a dismal campaign for much of this season.

With one of the worst defenses in the league, conceding nearly two goals a game on average, the Gate have struggled for consistency.

But since Ian O'Connell took over the managerial reigns in March, things have started to look more positive for Margate who are currently on a run of three games unbeaten.

They have picked up wins against Tooting & Mitcham and Billericay Town of late and most recently enjoyed a tenacious draw against high flying Sutton United.

"And Margate Manager Ian O'Connell is understandably impressed with his teams recent run of form.One thing I believe in as a manager is continuity and I think that comes from playing under Chris Kinnear", he told www.thisiskenttoday.co.uk.

"Some managers like to rotate their team. We have not got the squad to do that anyway but I believe in keeping a winning side," he added.

Margate - Players to WatchLeroy Huggins is the in form player for Margate at the moment, with the forward scoring three goals in his last three games.

Jamie Turner is a vastly experienced goalkeeper, who is a recent signing for the Gate. Has made over 100 Conference South appearances for Tonbridge Angels between 2005 to 2008.

Lloyd Blackman is a dangerous centre-forward who has scored 13 goals so far this campaign. Formerly of Brentford before injury forced him out of the professional game.

Aaron Lacy is a right sided defender who is particularly dangerous from long throws. The 29 year-old spent six years with Maidstone United.

Wayne Wilson made his debut for Margate against the Robins in 2008, and is prolific with his long range efforts. The 21 year-old midfielder played all but twice last season.

The StatsMargateHave one of the worst home records in the Ryman Premier, with just three victories from a possible 17.Also have one of the worst defences in the league, having conceded 61 goals in total this campaign.Lloyd Blackman is the 8th highest goal-scorer within the division.

Carshalton AthleticThe Robins will hope to replicate the form they showed in the three solid away draws they secured against Worcester City, Dartford and AFC Hornchurch, back in January.But they have only won two games away from home all season.And they are without a win in their past eleven away league fixtures.

Thursday, 21 January 2010

Dartford FC PreviewAfter an embattled performance in the FA Trophy, Carshalton will need to draw on all their resources come Saturday when they face they toughest opposition to date, in the form of runaway league leaders Dartford.

With a solid 1-1 draw against Blue Square South’s Worcester City still fresh in their memories, the Robins will be confident of providing another good account of themselves.

Dartford though will undoubtedly be imperious opponents, as they currently lie eleven points clear at the top of the table, with four games in hand over their nearest rivals.Dartford’s FormDartford’s campaign has gone flawlessly thus far, dominating the league and having only lost one game all season.

Tony Burnham’s side haven’t played since the 2nd January, where they enjoyed a hard-fought 2-1 away win at relegation threatened Cray Wanderers.

Despite taking a two goal lead, thanks to first half strikes from Lee Burns and James White, the Darts were forced onto the back foot for much of the second half, although eventually held on.

Averaging just under three goals a game and with a staggering goal difference of +41, it becomes abundantly clear why Dartford have been top of the division since the season began.

Robins fans can take some solace though from Dartford’s only league loss this season, which came at the hands of AFC Hornchurch, a side who Carshalton downed 1-0 in October.

Dartford – Players to watch

Rob Howarth – Journeyman forward and formerly of Carshalton having spent a brief spell with the Robins in 2007. He has nine goals so far this campaign.

Elliot Bradbrook – An attacking midfielder who is tipped to make his highly anticipated return after suffering from an ankle injury.

Andy Young – A useful goalkeeper, formerly of Blue Square South’s Bishops Stortford and has been in commanding form of late.

Adam Gross – A solid left-back and a former youth international for Wales.The Stats

DartfordØ Have the best home record in the league, with seven wins from a possible eleven.Ø Undoubtedly have the best home attendances within the division, with an average of over a thousand people a game.Ø Currently enjoy a 100% record away from home, with nine wins out of nine.

Carshalton AthleticØ Haven’t won a league game in six outings.Ø The Robins have also only won once on their travels in their past six away games in the league.Ø Lost 4-0 to Dartford when the two sides last met in September.

The Key battles

Dartford possesses a formidable line-up, with the most successful attacking frontline in the division.

On Saturday though, the Darts will be without key striker Lee Burns, who begins a three match suspension.

The fact that he’s also the second highest scorer in the league, the news will no doubt come as a relief for the likes of Rob Watkins and Justyn Roberts who will already be in store for a tough afternoon.

With Burns suspended, Carshalton’s backline will be focussed even more on former Robins’ striker Rob Howarth, who comes face to face with his former side.

Dartford will also be without attacking midfielder Lee Noble, who is serving a one match ban.

Friday, 1 January 2010

Carshalton Athletic will be looking to get 2010 off to the best possible start, when they host local rivals Sutton United at Colston Avenue.

The two sides are still fresh from their Boxing Day clash at the Borough Sports Ground and the Robins will hope to avenge the 3-0 defeat they suffered.

Charlie Taylor’s brace and a penalty from Steve Watts was enough for the U’s, and Carshalton will seek to produce sterner resistance this time round.

Sutton United Vs Carshalton Athletic– post Boxing DaySutton’s win over the Robins elevated them to 6th in the league, just one place outside the playoff berths.

Paul Doswell’s side largely dominated the Boxing Day encounter but he’s since warned against complacency for Saturday’s reverse fixture.

“I know how important it is for the supporters and it gives them the first part of the bragging rights over Christmas, but Carshalton will be looking to get their own back next Saturday so the supporters shouldn’t get over excited,’’ said Doswell.

Veteran striker Steve Watts, who has made over 100 football league appearances, is also expecting a Carshalton fight-back.

“The local derbies can be passionate games and I am sure Carshalton will come out firing. We have to be up for it and expecting a tough game,” said the former Leyton Orient striker.

Meanwhile, Sutton’s Charlie Taylor and Alan Pouton will face late fitness tests for Saturday after the two picked up knocks on Boxing Day.

Sutton United – Players to watch

Kevin Scriven – An experienced goalkeeper who has kept five clean sheets in the league this season.

Sam Gargan – Sutton United’s leading goalscorer, and has netted on no less than eight occasions this campaign.

Matt Hann – A dynamic right winger, who represented Great Britain in the 2005 World Student Games.

The Stats

Carshalton AthleticØ Haven’t won in the league since November.Ø The Robins have won two out of their last six home games.Ø Will still be without leading goalscorer Richard Jolly, who is on holiday.

Sutton UnitedØ Set the 2nd highest attendance figure in the league on Boxing Day, when 1,027 fans witnessed the clash against Carshalton.Ø They have the 7th best away record in the league, with five wins out of nine.Ø The U’s also have the third best defensive in the division, based on goals conceded.

The Key Battles

Carshalton’s Joe Dolan and David Woozley will again come face to face with the man who breached the Robin’s defence twice on Boxing Day, in the form of Charlie Taylor.

The former Grays striker has been prolific since his arrival in the autumn, and will be the main threat once again when the U’s visit Colston Avenue.

Sutton’s Steve Watts will be the one to watch in midfield, and no doubt the likes of Carshalton’s Barry Stevens and Karl Murray will look to close him down.

Meanwhile Carshalton’s new signing Kenny Beaney, who had been on loan from Sutton before signing permanently this week, is expected to start against his old club.